Sochi Winter Olympics opening ceremony set to begin

The opening ceremony for this year's Winter Olympics, in the Russian city of Sochi, is set to begin at 4.14pm UK time.

Thousands of people will be at the Fisht Olympic Stadium for the ceremony, which will mark the official launch of the Games.

Sixty-five heads of state and leaders from around the world are reported to be attending, but some, like US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron, will be absent.

Follow all the action with Sports Mole's live commentary of the Sochi opening ceremony.